CHANTRY — Will there be an election in Rideau Lakes prior to October 2026?
If the mayor has his way, that’s a possibility.
Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom has asked Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to dissolve the township’s council and call an immediate election, citing what he described as an irreparable breakdown in trust, civility and effective governance.
In a letter dated Oct. 10, 2025, addressed to members of council and copied to Minister Robert Flack, Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, and CAO Shellee Fournier, the mayor said he had gone public earlier in the day with his request.
“Earlier today I went public with a call to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Robert Flack, to declare all seats on Council, including my own, vacant and authorize an immediate new election in Rideau Lakes,” Hoogenboom wrote.
He said repeated conflicts have eroded public confidence in local government.
“The continued behaviour of this Council as witnessed again on October 6 and the feedback from the public suggests that only a new Council be able to restore civility and confidence in our local government,” the letter continued. “Our citizens and taxpayers deserve better and the divide on Council is now beyond repair.”
The appeal follows an Oct. 6 meeting that ended abruptly after heated debate over seven Integrity Commissioner reports. Township staff ended the session, citing a hostile environment, and police were called. No charges were laid.
In response, the township announced on Oct. 9 that all council and committee-of-the-whole meetings will be held virtually until further notice. The decision came from a recommendation by the Joint Health and Safety Committee under the Occupational Health and Safety Act after staff exercised their right to refuse work.
“The township is committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all staff, council members, and members of the public,” the release stated.
Earlier in the week, MPP Steve Clark said he had also contacted the ministry to “request assistance in restoring proper governance.”
“The public outcry should be a clear signal to council members of the impact their dysfunction is having on staff morale and the municipality’s reputation,” Clark wrote in an Oct. 8 email to constituents.
When contacted Friday before the mayor’s announcement, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing confirmed that a statement was being prepared but it had not yet been received by publication time.
Under Ontario’s Municipal Act, 2001, a mayor cannot dissolve council or declare seats vacant. Only the provincial cabinet, on the minister’s recommendation, can take that step. The ministry may also appoint a facilitator or investigator to review governance and report back with recommendations.
Council will reconvene virtually on Oct. 14 for back-to-back sessions to address unfinished business from its Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 meetings. Visit the website for instructions on how to attend.
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